Jean married the late Raymond Gassel on June 17, 1947, in Kalkaska.

They were residents of Fife Lake since 1947. Jean retired from teaching at Fife Lake Elementary. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed fishing and was an excellent seamstress. Jean loved visiting the casinos and a good game of poker.

Surviving Jean are her children, David J. (Cheryle) Gassel of Boise ID, Alan (Susan) Gassel of Lake City, Michael J. (Penny Bowen) Gassel of Cadillac, and Ann (Craig) Newell of Okemos; nine grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren; siblings, Sam Neihardt, Richard (Maxine) Neihardt, Glenn (Katherine) Neihardt, Fred (Therese) Neihardt, Joan (Donald) Kennedy, and Gretchen Peck; and sister-in-law, Charlotte Neihardt.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her loving husband of 57 years, Raymond; brother, Carrol Neihardt; sister, Barbara Husk; sister-in-law, Mary Neihardt; and brother-in-law, Dick Peck.

Visitation was held on Thursday, August 2, at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home in Kalkaska. The funeral service was on Friday at the funeral home, with Glenn and Michael Neihardt officiating. Interment was at Clark Cemetery in Fife Lake.

Memorials may be given in behalf of Jean to the Mercy Hospice of Cadillac, 7.

The family would like to thank the staff of Green Acres Assisted Living in Cadillac for their compassionate and loving care of Jean.

Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home.